Today's tax day, and this year's average individual refund is just under $3000. Even if you haven't filed yet (what are you waiting for?) it's time to think about what to do with the cash that Uncle Sam owes you back this year. We've talked about the changes you can make to avoid owing money or getting a massive refund on your taxes, but if you look forward to your tax refund every year, here are some smart (and fun!) ways to make the best of your windfall.

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Take an "All Expenses Paid" Vacation

Getting your tax refund doesn't have to be all work and no play. You need time to recharge, relax, and get away from the day-to-day, right? Consider using your refund as a set budget for a little private getaway. Whether it's a trip to a place you've always wanted to visit, a cruise to a tropical getaway, or just a picnic in the park, if the money is spent on you and your well-being, it's not misspent. Just make sure to stick to your budget, and pick a destination or event that you'll really love. If you plan it right, you can essentially walk away with a free vacation without even touching your regular budget.

Replace an Energy and Money-Sucking Appliance

One way to get some bang for your buck with your tax refund is to replace an old clunky fridge, washing machine, water heater, or some other aging, energy-inefficient appliance in your home with a more energy-efficient and money-saving model. Perhaps it's time to consider replacing a few windows, upgrading your A/C unit, or replacing the insulation in your attic. All too often we judge home improvement upgrades in terms of how quickly we'll get a return on our investment, so there's no better use for a windfall or cash that you don't already need for other things than on something that will eventually save you money and start paying for itself, even if the payback is in the long run—or longer than you would disrupt your budget for. Photo by Sharon.

Treat Yourself to a Modest Upgrade

When the new iPad came out, we talked about some things your could buy instead of the new iPad, all of which around the same price point. Slice off around $500 of that $3000 refund and treat yourself to something affordable that will also make a big impact in your day to day life, whether it's a new 1080p Apple TV, your own home-built HTPC, or a bicycle to get you out of your seat and into the fresh open air.

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One upgrade on the list that we can't recommend enough is an SSD for your computer. We're huge fans of replacing your primary hard drive in all of your systems with SSDs, and even include a few in our preferred system builds. They're getting cheaper, and the performance impact you'll feel once you have one in your system is hard to understate. You won't be sorry! Photo by Joel Bez.

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Fall in Love with Food

We've shown you how to fall in love with food all over again and how to reboot your diet, maybe it's time to clean out the pantry and stock up on stuff that's good for you and your family, or even plant a garden on your windowsill or backyard. A few dollars towards a garden can feed you and your family (and even your friends and neighbors if you have a green thumb) for a long time, and ultimately save you money at the supermarket.

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Invest In Your Well-Being

If you've been putting off going to the doctor or the dentist because you were worried about how much it might cost, now's the time to make that appointment. Been meaning to get to the gym but didn't want to buy a membership until you had the money? Grab one now, or head to your local sports equipment store and look at some exercise gear for your home (we still love the FitDesk) and get in shape. Been struggling with the death of a loved one, or a relationship on the rocks? It might be time to start looking for a good therapist, regardless of whether your insurance covers mental health services.

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The same applies to things that have you stressed out but may not have directly to do with you. If you've been putting off some nagging home repair or car repair, get it out of your mind and off of your plate with the money from your refund before you spend it on something fun. The benefit of having those stressors taken care of and out of your life will last far longer than the momentary pleasure of a new shiny toy. That said, if you can afford both, we recommend it! Photo by Phil Campbell.

Learn Something New

Maybe you've been meaning to take a class, either to train up for a new career or just learn a new skill. Check with your local community college or four-year university to see if you can sign up for night classes, audit a day class, or just pay for selected skill-based classes, like a dance or martial arts class, a language class, getting started with electronics, car repair, or something else you've always wanted to learn. Most night classes, especially single-topic courses with only a handful of sessions, don't cost very much at all, and are geared towards working people who want to improve their skills without sacrificing their day jobs. A little cash and an hour or so a few nights a week can go along way toward helping you be the person you want to be.

Pay Yourself First

Of course, we can't let you go without suggesting you take your windfall and do something fiscally responsible with it, like putting that money to work for you. It's a topic we discuss frequently at Lifehacker, but it's worth reiterating that your windfall can do a lot for you if you use it towards your own financial security. Here's a quick rundown of great, money-smart options: Photo by 401K.

Whatever you choose to do with your refund this year, if you're getting one, make sure it's a smart move for you, and if you do spend it, do something with it that's memorable and leaves a lasting impact. Yes, we all know that refunds are "giving the government an interest free loan every year," but looking past that, try to avoid using it to keep an unsustainable lifestyle afloat, or dropping it into something that'll only create more debt (like a car you can't afford, or paying down a line of credit you're about to load up with purchases.)

So you've seen our suggestions—what are some of yours? What will you do with your tax refund this year? Are you paying down debt, or do you have bigger plans? Let us know in the comments below.